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In a long interview that was published this morning, Christian Pulisic opened up about his AC Milan adventure so far, his goals for the future, the relationship with Massimiliano Allegri and more.
Pulisic has been a key player for Milan this season, scoring six goals and assisting an additional two. The game against Napoli was his best one yet as he basically decided the game himself, assisting the first goal after a great solo run and then scoring the second.
In short, the American is living life right now and will be looking to build on his positive form against Juventus tomorrow. DAZN interviewed him ahead of the game and the interview was published today, as transcribed by MilanNews.
What’s the biggest difference between playing in Italy and anywhere else?
“I think it’s hard to say. I have learned a lot tactically, I have learned a lot here. I have faced different teams, and they all defend very well. It’s a different system and the same goes for the playing style.”
Do you feel more Italian now than when you arrived?
“Yes, I think so. I think you definitely adapt to the lifestyle a little, and it’s a lot of fun. Besides, my grandmother is Italian. I’ve always felt a little Italian.”
What’s your favourite dish?
“It’s funny, if you had asked me a while ago, I would have said chicken parmigiana or spaghetti with meatballs. But when I came here, I tried everything and there are so many good dishes, it’s a really difficult choice. I really like carbonara.”
They call you Captain America. What do you think?
“It’s a cool nickname. Captain of AC Milan? For now, Captain America will do. We will see what happens.”
Did you have an idol when you were little?
“Yes, I had a few. When you’re little, you follow the national team: one of them was Dempsey. I always followed him, especially during the World Cup, with the national team. I wanted to be like him. I liked the way he played, his attitude, his way of being on the pitch. In Europe, however, there were so many players I looked up to. Robert, Figo, and obviously Messi.”
Are you a basketball fan?
“Yes, very much so.”
On your experience at AC Milan…
“I think I have always trusted myself, even when I had some doubts. There were some difficult times in London, and there you have to believe in yourself. I knew these opportunities, these moments, would come.
“Fortunately, I also arrived at a club that gave me the opportunity and believed in me so much. Starting with the coaches, the fans, and my teammates. I think when you’re given the opportunity to play a little more freely, you gain that confidence. That means a lot.”
You have been able to maintain the same level with the four different coaches you have had in Milan. What’s your secret?
“This is also difficult to explain. I don’t change the way I work, regardless of the coach. I think I have been consistent and have a good routine in this regard. The way I train and take care of myself. I think this helps me be consistent.”
On your relationship with Allegri…
“His experience is impressive, as are his working methods. He knows how to bring out the best in his players. He has been here at Milan before. He’s someone who doesn’t panic.
“After our first league defeat against Cremonese, we were disappointed in the dressing room. He didn’t lose his cool. He told us it was only matchday one, to keep working, and that we would find the right path.”
What’s your secret to receiving the ball so often?
“I think soccer is a lot less about individual play: there’s much more teamwork. Compared to basketball, soccer is even more about instinct. You have to know where to position yourself in the box, because that’s where the goals are ultimately scored. Understanding how to occupy space, feeling it. And I think that’s my secret.”
On never wasting a ball or forcing a play, like Messi…
“I think it’s very important to understand when to take risks, and Messi knows how to do that. There are moments when you feel more confident than others, right now it’s even easier to talk, I’m scoring a lot, but there will also be negative moments and you have to be good at dealing with them.”
On the impact of some new teammates…
“They have had a major impact. Rabiot, Saelemaekers, and Modric too. We knew their qualities, but seeing them every day is something different. The hunger they bring to the pitch, it’s fantastic. It’s great to have such a disciplined group and to have them as teammates.”
On Modric…
“My family has Croatian roots, they are big Modric fans. My cousins even named their dog Luka. It’s incredible to train with him and see him every day. I’m trying to learn as much as I can from him. We talk a lot.”
You have a different attitude this year…
“Yes, we’re doing well. Absolutely. I also know it’s early, it’s only October. We will be put to the test soon, and I think that’s what will define us this year. But absolutely, I think it’s important to have confidence, and I feel it, among my teammates and the environment.”
How Allegri experiences the matches on the bench…
“He’s someone who wants to win at all costs, you can see he’s so passionate, like a true Italian. It’s even more inspiring to see how much energy he puts into the game on the bench. He’s a great coach, he gives us even more energy.”
On your passion for chess…
“Yes, it’s true. I enjoy playing chess. It’s a passion my grandfather passed on to me. My cousin and I would even challenge him two-on-one and always lose. I met Magnus Carlsen in London, and we even challenged each other. He beat me after, I think, seven moves. It was incredible.”
You could become part of AC Milan’s history. Have you ever thought about it?
“No, I don’t think about it. I think about the ones who were here before me, unreachable players. They are a source of inspiration. I will give everything for this team, I want to win and become part of AC Milan’s history.”
On the season targets…
“Our goal is definitely to return to the Champions League. It’s strange to see a club like Milan not participating in this competition. We have a strong team and we will do everything we can to achieve that goal.”
On the match against Juventus…
“They are one of the strongest teams in Italy, there’s always rivalry. It will be a great match, a tough one. We hope to come away with a good result.”
Matteo Moretto recently reported that Milan are working on a contract renewal for the winger, hoping to extend the current 2027 deadline (2028 if you include the Rossoneri’s one-year option). A pay rise definitely seems to be on the cards for the No.11.
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